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Exploring West Lancashire

Where will you find a church which, unusually, boasts both a tower and a steeple?

In the thriving market town of Ormskirk in the heart of West Lancashire, the church of St Peter and St Paul is a most distinctive feature of Ormskirk's skyline. Steeped in Viking history, the town owes its prosperity to the richness of the surrounding plain, which supports many farms and market gardens, and its special blend of character and history combines modern shopping outlets with traditional attractions, giving visitors the best of both worlds.

West Lancashire stretches from the outskirts of Liverpool in the south to the River Ribble in the north, with Southport on the west coast and Wigan and Chorley to the east.
The landscape contrasts sharply with north and east Lancashire, the west's more gentle, green and peaceful countryside being dotted with picturesque villages which also enjoy their own, quite distinct character and history.

There are many attractions throughout West Lancashire, such as the National Trust's Rufford Old Hall, one of Lancashire's finest 16th century buidlings, famed for its spectacular Great Hall where, it is rumoured, Shakespeare performed for the owner Sir Thomas Hesketh. The Wild Fowl and Wetlands Centre at Martin Mere is always popular with visitors of all ages, an enormous site where thousands of wild birds can be observed in their natural habitat.

Another of West Lancashire's main towns is Skelmersdale, with excellent recreational facilities, including the beautiful Beacon Country Park where woodland walks are combined with open space and provide a panorama of spectacular views. The park stages exhibitions and displays throughout the year and facilties include bridle routes and an 18-hole golf course and driving range.

Towns and Villages in West Lancashire:

• Aughton
• Banks
• Burscough
• Hasall
• Hesketh Bank
• Newburgh
• Ormskirk
• Parbold
• Rufford
• Up Holland
• Wrightington

More information . . .

• West Lancashire Accommodation
• Things to do in West Lancashire
• West Lancashire Food & Drink
• What's on in West Lancashire